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SMITH’S ADDRESS, 

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AN 


ADDRESS, 

DELIVERED BEFORE THE 

ASSOCIATED 

MECHANICS Sc MANUFACTURERS 

OP THE 

STATE OF NEW-HAMPSHIRE, 

' AT THE 

CELEBRATIOJV OF THEIR ANNIVERSARY, 
IN PORTSMOUTEJ, 

OCT. 13, 1831. 



R. FOSTER, PRINTER. 




1831 , 


3//9 


PORTSMOFTH, OcT. 14, 1331. 

Brother John Smith,— 

The undersigned Committee, in com- 
pliance with the unanimous vote of the Mechanic Association, pre- 
sent their acknowledgments for the able, ingenious, and interesting 
Address, delivered by j'^ou at the celebration of their twenty eighth 
Anniversary, on the 13th insU and respectfully request a copy for 
the pressv 

LANGLEY BOARDMAN, 
BENJAMIN HOLMES, 
GEORGE HAM. 


Portsmouth, October 16, 1831. 

Brethren ^ — 

Yours of the 15th inst. was promptly received, in 
which you, in behalf of the Association, request a copy of the Ad- 
dress for publication. Any thing that would gratify the wishes of 
a majority of my Brethren, would be doing violence to my feelings 
to refuse them.- Notwithstanding the reluctance I may feel in con- 
sequence of the Address not having been written with the most 
distant idea of its passing the ordeal of public investigation, I submit 
it to your disposal, wishing it was more worthy your acceptance^ 
and relying on the candor and forbearance of a generous public. 

^ Yours f Gentlemen^ with Respect ^ 

JOHN SMITH;. 

Brothers, Langley Boardman, 

Benjamin Holmes,' 

George Ham. 





ADDRESS. 


BRETHREN AND FRIENDS,— 

Some sort of apology, may be expected of me for thus 
coming forward, on this occasion, from the retired walks of 
a Mechanic, and presuming to instruct and inferin you in 
matters and things, relating to the good or comfort of this 
life. 

As it respects my brethren of the Association, who know 
my desires to promote its interests, likewise my readiness 
•to bear my portion of its duties and labours, and my incom- 
petency to the task they have set me ; all excuse seems un- 
necessary. But, to our respected friends, who honour us 
with their presence on this, our anniversary, what shall 
we say to them ? shall we attempt to arouse their particu- 
;lar attention, and induce in them the belief that all nature 
is about to be explored, and its intricacies and phenomena 
exposed and laid open to their view in such a simple and 
familiar manner, that each and every one, may pick and 
cull of its beauties and perfections ? No, the task is too big 
for me, or for any one, who, was (not as Br. Greenleaf says, 
trained to the hammer ; but was from early life) trained to 
the Brush, which, by the way, is quite as laborious, and 
requires as large a sacrifice of time, to obtain the necessa- 
ries and comforts of life. Thus circumstanced, our friends 
will not expect much, therefore, the disappointment will be 
lessened ; and we have the happiness to believe, that the 
mantle of charity will be extended over our foibles and dis- 
crepancies. 


4 


Man, Brethren, on his first induction into our earth, was 
as naked in mind, as in body. Having no experience of 
the past, he could not possibly anticipate the future ; there- 
fore, he roamed about in the midst of a wild, unconscious 
of evils or sufferings of any kind, and entirely at the direc- 
tion of his then present inclinations. But, directly, the 
pains of hunger seize upon him, and compel him to search 
for food; thus he saw the necessity of providing for his own 
subsistence and by the inclemency of the weather, he was 
compelled to clothe himself and provide some habitation or 
shelter, to protect from the storm, as well, as from his more 
voracious enemy, the inhabitants of the forests in common 
with himself. And so we discover, that the absolute wants 
and necessities of man, first called forth his industry, and 
aroused and improved his dormant faculties, and by degrees 
disclosed the powers of the human! mind. 

In this way he moved on from step to step, until he learn- 
ed to resist and overcome the elements, to seize upon his 
prey, defend himself from danger and thus alleviate and 
better his condition, we likewise discover that self-preserva- 
tion, aversion to pain, and a desire for happiness, w^ere the 
simple motives, which brought man forth from the state of 
savage ignorance in which nature had left him. But man 
was destined by his Creator, to make still further progress 
in his lonely situation, and still further develope, that incom- 
prehensible something which God had given him, called 
the mind. This was effected by an union and combination 
with his fellow man. The principles of happiness and 
self love, always on the alert, suggested the propriety and ne- 
cessity of making use of that newly discovered principle, 
which was introduced by a much respected friend* of the 
mechanics of this town, and in this place, a short time since, 
we mean the union of effort. Perpetually beset as he was 
by dangers on every side, assailed by enemies, haunted by 
hunger, by wild beasts and venemous serpents, he began to 
feel his own individual weakness, and impelled by a desire 
of security and by a reciprocity of sentiment relative to the 
evils under which he laboured, he gladly united his before 
seperate abilities and corporeal strength; accordingly, 
when one was attacked, all defended ; or when danger of 
any sort threatened either of war or famine, all assisted 


•Andrew Halliburton, Esq. 


5 


and repelled. Thus it is discovered from the mere neces- 
sity of the case, that the foundation of social society was 
laid, and laid too one would naturally suppose, on a per- 
manent foundation, for the interest, benefits and profits of 
the whole were involved. 

Society thus circumstanced, its members could pass their 
time in more perfect ease and security in the communica- 
tion, examination and comparison of each other’s thoughts 
and ideas. 

Curiosity and reflection, naturally led them to extend 
their researches still further onward, into the nature of such 
things as came directly under their immediate observation, 
such as the revolution of the seasons, the properties of the 
vegetable and animal kingdom, choosing what was good and 
palatable, and avoiding what was bad ; taming and subject- 
ing such animals as might be conducive to their comfort or 
convenience ; planting and cultivating the earth the pro- 
duce of which abundantly repaid them for all their toil of 
labour and investigation. In addition to this, the discovery 
was made, that a much larger number of persons might be 
sustained in a less extent of territory than they had ever be- 
fore conceived of; therefore, avoiding the necessity of con- 
tinually moving from one section of country to another, as 
was the ancient custom, in consequence of which, they con- 
structed more permanent habitations, hence the formation 
of villages and towns, and at length Empires, Kingdoms and 
Countries. 

So, Brethren, we are enabled to discover from this faint 
picture of the progress of man, from a state of ignorance 
and imbecility, that he was designed by nature for so- 
ciety and social life, and that he has the ability in and of 
himself, by a proper application of his faculties of raising 
himself to a very exalted and enviable situation. Happy 
would it have been for him, had he felt content to have 
stopped here and spent his time and talents in the study of 
nature and of nature’s God, and the best interests of himself 
and his fellow man. 

But not so, a fatality seems to have pursued him all but 
to the brink of ruin. That ever restless, and aspiring disposi- 
tion of man, accompanied with covetousness, the legitimate 
child of ignorance, has followed and haunted him, and car- 


6 


ried him away by the attraction of objects which only flat- 
ter the senses. Not content with the rich productions of 
the earth, and whate\^er of comfort and luxury which might 
be obtained by their own industry — a system of monopoly 
and over-reaching is put into operation, with a view^ of ob- 
taining from each other whatever they may possess with- 
out compensation. In pursuance of this object, physi- 
cal force is introduced ; the strong fall upon the weak ; and 
wrest from them the honest profits of their labour ; the 
w^eak in return solicit the aid of their friends, until the whole 
community are found reciprocally tormenting each other ; 
a fatal and general discord becomes established, man is arm- 
ed against man, family against family, town against town, 
and the earth is converted into a theatre of discord and an- 
archy* It is thus, that the seeds of enmity are sown in the 
very bosom of States and Countries, by drawing lines of 
distinction between one citizen and another, and so di- 
viding the same society of men into oppressors and oppress- 
ed. 

It is under circumstances of this sort, that anarchy ob- 
tains, some one more ambitious individual than the rest, ei- 
ther by open violence, or private intrigue, turns the arms of 
the community against itself, and builds up a political des- 
potism, or by a shew of hypocrisy and external piety, un- 
der the specious title of ambassador from heaven, imposes 
a fanatical yoke if possible, worse than the former for its 
cruelties and injustice. It still remains unparalleled in the 
history of the world and we hope for the credit of man- 
kind it ever may. 

In the preceeding remarks. Brethren, I am well a^vare that 
no new ideas are introduced, I am sure, they are not origi- 
nal with me, neither do I claim much in the language in 
which they are written, but their application to the com- 
mencement of social society must be apparent k) all, particu- 
larly when we consider the incapacity of man individually 
to supply all his rational and variegated w'ants, no one man 
is capable, without the aid of his fellows, of supplying him- 
self in every case; these wants whether real or imaginary, act 
on every individual of the community with equal force, and 
naturally compel us into society, for the comfort and con- 
venience of the whole. The idea of individual independence 


7 


and happiness is the extreme of folly. Nature never intend- 
ed social, intellectual man for misanthropy — the love of so- 
ciety is planted within us, it grows with our growth and 
strengthens with our strength and rarely' ever forsakes us 
while life endures. But to return to our subject — 

The disordered state of society to which we just refered 
will not discourage, so long as it appears to be a fixed prin- 
ciple in every evil, whatsoever its magnitude may be, to ef- 
fect its own cure, at least, it so appears in this case, for from 
circumstances not entirely unlike those just enumerated, 
this our happy Country and incomparable Constitution and 
consequent government, did arise — a government of equita- 
ble and just laws, proceeding from the people direct, 
and of course amenable to the people for its just and proper 
administration — viewing men as free and independant citi~ 
zens. Under such a Constitution, we can live contentedly 
if we will, and happily if we choose. 

In this our happy land, we have ever been in the habit of 
forming societies and Associations; many of which are re- 
cognised by the Government, for special purposes, such as 
tend generally to ameliorate the condition of man, in some 
way or other. Of such is this society of Associated Me- 
chanics and Manufacturers, whose 28th anniversary, we 
this day celebrate. 

The leading objects of this Association, are, as you may 
have observed by the reading of the Constitution, to reward 
the faithful, encourage the ingenious, and assist the neces- 
sitous. It may perhaps, be gratifying to some, and not al- 
together unprofitable, to give a partial history of the do- 
ings of this society in times past. 

It was installed in Nov. 1802, and incorporated by a leg- 
islative act of this State the June following, 1803. 

The average number of its members has been about 100* 
Its object ever has been to unite and advance the interests 
of its members, and their dependants, and to add dignity 
and respectability to this very useful and indispensable 
class of citizens, and we have the vanity to think it has not 
been altogether unsuccessful in its efforts. 

Its operation has been to create and establish a confi- 
dence in each other, and by frequently associating together,, 
and exchanging ideas, to inform and improve our minds, and 
learn more distinctly, our relative dependanoe and relation 
ship one with another. 


8 


Respecting its charitable donations, much need not be 
said. Charity is a virtue well known to be eulogized by 
every one, there is a strange and inexpressible delight in 
the contemplation as well as the practice of it. We love it 
for its effects. It is harmonious in its tones, self-approving 
and heavenly in its operations. But, because it is possessed 
of these intrinsic and lovely qualities, can it be considered 
egotism in us to announce the fact, that we indulge, and prac- 
tice, this virtue, with a view to induce others to enrole 
their names, where they may likewise have an opportuni- 
ty of helping to cause the widow’s heart to sing with joy ? 
we think not — therefore, we state as a matter of histori- 
cal fact, that there has been expended from the funds of 
this Association and by donation of its members for pur- 
poses of charity, a sum rising j^2,000, besides various other 
expenditures operating indirectly to the same end. This 
looks well Brethren, very well, and the consequence is, that 
much distress and misery have been averted, by very little 
individual expense. 

But, Brethren, even this might be made to look better, if 
every philanthropic Mechanic of this town could be induc- 
ed to become a member of this Society, and couple his en- 
ergies with ours, in relieving the distresses of his fellows ; 
and we now give them a public invitation, and promise them 
a warm and friendly reception. 

Our Constitution makes it necessary, that all its members 
shall be Mechanics or Manufacturers, and of 21 years of age, 
of good moral character, and a guarantee that they have 
faithfully discharged their engagements with their masters. 
Likewise, that any member shall be expelled if he employ 
or entertain, or, in any way encourage any apprentice who 
may have left the person with whom he lived, without said 
person’s consent. 

This article is sufficient inducement alone, for any me- 
chanic who is in the habit of keeping apprentices, to join this 
Society ; its direct tendency is to benefit both parties, by 
establishing habits of industry and content ; thereby, per- 
fecting the apprentice in his business, and rendering him 
useful and profitable to his master and himself, and orna- 
mental to society. 

Again, one of the most permanent objects of this institu- 


9 


lion is to promote industry, good habits, and an increase 
of knowledge in the arts we profess individually. With 
regard to these things have we not been remiss in our 
duties! has as much been done as might be in the case? 
Heretofore, the plea of a low state of our funds has been 
urged — the want of a library, &c. But at present, this rea- 
soning wont do ; our funds to be sure, are still small, yet, 
something may be done with them, and our library is re- 
spectable, and if we may judge from the number of copies 
taken and returned annually (which is about 14 or 1500} 
we may say useful too. This we may argue with much 
propriety, is furthering good habits and increasing knowl- 
edge, by throwing before our brethren and apprentices a 
fund of information which may be had without money and 
without price. But all this, in the opinion of many, does not 
come quite up to the original design of the makers of our 
Constitution. Something more direct is thought to be neces- 
sary. To effect this purpose we would suggesfthe propriety 
of choosing a competent Committee to examine this sub- 
ject thoroughly, and report at some convenient time and 
place. 

With respect to the Library, Brethren, we think it an 
object well worthy the fostering and liberal hand of the 
Association. If the increase of Knowledge amongst 
Mechanics is an object, let us extend our patronage toward 
the Library, and hold up every inducement to our appren- 
tices to read and examine, both by our example and pre- 
cept. Solomon says, in all thy gettings, get knowledge — 
It is the direct road to improvement in the arts and comforts 
of life — to esteem and respect — to wealth and happiness, 
and if you are fond of power, here you have it, for “ ATnoro- 
ledge is power. 

It is very desirable to have the number of useful books 
increased in the Library, and by calling the attention of a 
liberal public toward this subject, v/e think there would be 
no difficulty in obtaining them. There are undoubtedly, 
hundreds of volumes, useless to the owners, now lying 
dormant on the shelves of many persons of this town, who 
would gladly deposit them on the shelves of the Apprentic- 
es Library, if called upon. Many valuable works have been 
obtained through the liberality of individuals, and more 


10 


tnight be procured. Perhaps, if the very liberal definition 
we apply to the term Apprentice, was more generally 
known, the public would feel a more lively interest in the 
Library. We admit no sectionality here ; no lines of dis- 
tinction or demarkation ; the poor and rich have equal ac- 
cess. Lihtrality h owv motto. All persons of 14 years of 
age, and under 21, actually employed at any business, by 
producing a responsible certificate for the safety of the book, 
have equal privileges. Thus you perceive, the benefits are 
not exclusive, but of a public nature. Still the Library is 
under the control and direction of the Mechanic Associa- 
tion. 

One other requirement of the Constitution, to which we 
wish to call the attention for a moment, is, a decree of the 
Society. With a view of rewarding industry, fidelity and 
habits of sobriety, the association decree, that every Ap- 
prentice on arriving at the age of 21 years, who shall pro- 
duce a certificate from the person with whom he served his 
apprenticeship, approving his conduct, shall be furnished 
with a certificate, sealed with the seal of the Association, 
signed by the President, and Vice President, and attested 
by the Secretary, recommending such Apprentice to the no- 
tice, encouragement, patronage and protection of all per- 
sons, in all countries, whithersoever he may choose to go. 
This we conceive to be of great importance to a young man, 
particularly to one who may have come from some distant 
parts to learn some art or trade here, and wishes to return ; 
or to a native son, who may wish to travel ; in either case, 
this certificate introduces him, and establishes his credit and 
reputation at once ; — with this, he is no longer a stranger ; 
and if business in his profession is to be had, one thus situat- 
ed, is most likely to obtain it. 

In 1820, an amendment to the Constitution was adopted, 
and a Fund established for the express purpose of affording 
immediate relief to the widow and orphan of any deceased 
brother. This fund was established by the voluntary sub- 
scriptions of the members of the Association, and is sustain- 
ed by an assessment of 25 cents on each subscriber, at the 
death of any member. A committee of two is chosen, joined 
by the presiding officer, whose duty it is, to visit or com- 
municate immediately with the widow or children of the 


11 


deceased, and present her or them, with the sum of $20, 
and also, to tender the services of the members, in the set- 
tlement of the estate ; likewise, to attend this duty without 
fee or reward, and in cases of insolvency, to charge the 
usual fee in such cases, and remit the amount to the widow 
or orphans of the deceased. In this way, we attempt to as- 
suage the poignancy of grief, and render all possible com- 
fort and consolation to the survivors, both by counsel and 
money. 

Thus, partially, have we attempted to describe and pour- 
tray some of the prominent benefits, arising from Associa- 
tions of this kind ; and if it should operate as an inducement 
to others to join us in the laudable effort of rendering the 
situation of our fellow creatures more comfortable, we 
shall have effected our purpose in part. 

The doings of Associations of this sort, being generally 
if not necessarily of a private nature, makes it incumbent on 
its members, to come out, as we have this day, in a public 
manner, disclosing to our fellow-citizens, w'ho, and what, we 
are, and what are our objects ; it is in this way we have ob- 
tained our members and been enabled to sustain the perma- 
nent and respectable station we at present occupy; as a 
proof of this fact, we announce the- pleasing intelligence that 
we initiated into this Association, last evening, nineteen in- 
dustrious, respectable and worthy Mechanics of this town ; 
Brethren, an acquisition of this sort, is honest cause of grat- 
ulation. This being one of the modes in which we have 
been successful in obtaining members, thereby adding ener- 
gy and usefulness to the institution ; we would suggest the 
propriety of establishing some permanent regulations, with 
respect to future celebrations ; perhaps triennial celebra- 
tions would not be too frequent for our interests. 

Much has of late been said on the subject of Mechanics, 
as it respects their relative situation in Society, and, it is 
generally conceded, that they, as a class, do not occupy that 
respectable station, in many places, which good and honest 
men are entitled to. To this general remark we shall, and are 
obliged to subscribe, because it is true, at least in the opin- 
ion of your humble servant, it is true, and “ pity ‘tis, that it 
is true.” Now, Brethren, we would seriously enquire why 
things are thus situated, and if good can posibly come of 


12 


this cold, unsocial, frigid temperature so discernable in 
many of our towns, villages and neighbourhoods and be- 
tween man and man ? Is it because we are more immoral, 
less honest and industrious, or more prodigal and dissipated^ 
or of meaner extraction, or do we pay our debts with less 
punctuality ? If so, then perhaps, ’tis just. But, we do not 
believe it. We cannot believe, that either or any of the 
above catalogue of crying sins, can be more sucessfully ar- 
gued against the Mechanics in general, than against those 
who assume this undefinable, senseless, unmeaning, superi- 
ority. One fact we are certain of, and, out of respect to hu- 
man nature, we with honest pride proclaim it. This state of 
feeling is gradually moving off we believe, to a climate more 
congenial to its nature — it is as opposite as the antipodes to 
the simplicity of our republic. Still, there are those who 
seem to have forgotten altogether, that very pertinent ques- 
tion of the Ancient Prophet — Have we not all one Father! 
Hath not one God created us ? 

This kind of doctrine would lead to a very different state 
of things, and we should be vastly more happy if it w'ere 
more practised upon. 

We are happy to have it in our power to state one other 
fact, in relation to this exclusive doctrine. It is not an in- 
digenous plant of our happy country ; it is of transatlantic 
growth and culture. Our soil never could have produced a 
plant so noxious to the health and happiness of the communi- 
ty. It is in essence, directly opposed to the spirit of a repub- 
lic ; in its operation, humiliating and degrading to the pride 
and feelings of a highminded, intelligent and well educated 
community of freemen. We hold most zealously and per- 
severingly, to the doctrine of equality. The upright and 
honest man is the gentleman ; no matter what his occupation 
may be, whether Doctor or Tailor, Carpenter or Minister, 
Painter or Lawyer, and further, that the weight of influence 
is, and should be, with such men, did they but know the fact, 
and use the means always within their reach. What we 
most regret and censure in this case is, (hat the buisness, or 
profession of men, should be allowed to create unreal dis- 
tinctions, amongst the labourers in the great temple of social 
happiness. The only difference in our opinion, which 
should be suffered to exist, is such as would naturally proceed 


13 


from actual and practical merit. The man of industrious, 
temperate, economical habits, who does as much as his 
means will allow, to promote his own improvement, and 
ameliorate the condition of those around him, though he 
he may be poor, and unfortunate, and not have had the ad- 
vantages of an education, ought to receive as much atten- 
and respect, at least, as one who, with much greater ad- 
vantages, squanders his lime and property in idleness and- 
dissipation, and struts with all the pomp and vanity of wealth. 

The time ought to come, and will, when ‘‘worth shall make 
the man, and want of it, the fellow.” With respect to this 
maxim, Brethren, I am a radical, and particularly partial to 
nationality, as much so, as that devoted and fortunate Pole, 
General Skrzynecki — who wished the nationality of his 
Countrymen might be so deeply buried within their breasts, 
that nought but death could extinguish it. Let our own 
country be the emporium of our own habits and customs. 
We are populous enough, and intelligent enough, and should 
by this time, be independent enough. Let us from this 
time, henceforth, put an eternal embargo, on the importation 
of fashions, of heriditary nobility, and a monied aristocracy, 
which tend to mar our happiness, and so hem us round, 
and round wdth an unmeaning etiquette, that our very hairs 
begin to grow grey, before we can become acquainted with 
our fellow citizens. It is a formidable barrier to the growth 
and enterprise of any town, or city, and sufficient of itself, 
to paralise the energies of any community, and draw down 
upon the heads of its votaries, the denunciations of all lib- 
eral, and public spirited men. 

But, Brethren, times and things are changing. Old things 
are passing away. The spirit of liberality and general phi- 
lanthropy have burst the cords with which they have been 
for ages bound, and are marching through our land dissemina- 
ting their doctrines of general emancipation from ignorance. 
The votaries of science, in most every village and hamlet 
within our knowledge, have come forward gratuitously, and 
have offered to lecture publickly, on all the sciences within 
their knowledge, such as Philosophy, Astronomy, Mechan- 
ics, Chemistry, &c. &c. thereby disclosing the fact, that the 
greatest quantum of happiness to every man, is in exact pro- 
portion, to his acquirements, in the knowledge of all matters 


14 


and things around and about him. This is a day of im- 
provement in very deed, — The spirit of knowledge, with her 
whole family of the arts and sciences, has appeared to us, 
and with her all powerful and nervous arm, has dispersed 
those foreign and antiquated notions of supremacy. The 
discovery is at length made, that the Arts and Sciences arc 
so delicately interwoven with one another, and so benefi- 
cial to each other, that they cannot be separated, without 
material injury to both ; and such has been the effect, that 
the Manufacturer and the Chemist, the Mechanic and the 
Scholar, may now sit side by side, mutually instructing and 
improving each other, without any supercilious claims for 
precedency. 

In consequence of this state of things, the discoveries that 
have been made, and which are daily making, become more 
generally known to all classes of men. The more the mind 
is instructed and enlarged the better man is protected from 
all imposition, and from both real and imaginary evils. — 
For instance, the disclosures of Chemistry have put to flight 
the whole posst comilatus of Hobgoblins, Ghosts, Spir- 
its, Witches, Death Watches, fee. they all vanished at the 
dawn of intellectual scrutiny, never again to return and tor- 
ment mankind — thus relieving the rising generation, of 
•one of the evils of ignorance and consequent superstition. — 
Chemistry has other qualities, beside that of analizing 
Ghosts and Spookes. She is a great economist, and suffers 
none of the fragments to be lost, but carefully fills all her 
baskets. To attempt to enumerate all her habits of econ- 
-omy^ of time and money, would be a labour of weeks, instead 
of minutes. One or two instances will suffice. The chem- 
ical process of bleaching, is now performed in a few 
days, whereas, it formerly consumed months ; this maybe 
considered a rare instance of economy. Again, a London 
Chemist has discovered, that bread in baking, emits a va- 
pour which can be condensed into a spirit of great strength, 
from which it is estimated that in the City ol London, 
800,000 gallons per annum, may be produced from what has 
been, from time immemorial, actually wasted ; this circum- 
stance shews the economical prowess of chemistry, in bold 
relief. It is not a very flattering discovery for temperance 
Societies, we acknowledge, but it must eventually save a 


15 


great amount of bread stuffs; for if the whiskey can be ob- 
tained and the bread saved, there is a certain and great 
gain. And those of us, who are favourable to temperance 
(and there are not a few,) must content ourselves with eating 
the bread, as advertised by some of the Bakers ‘‘zcU/i all 
the Gin in and leave the vapour to be condensed by those 
who think they 7oant more stimulating* 

Once more, and I have done with this part of my subject. 
An instance of the benefits of Chemistry, in preserving a 
ship’s company from actual suffering and death, occurred 
on board a vessel from this place, on a passage to Buenos 
Ayres a short time since. Her passage was protracted, in 
consequence of damage received in a gale, and she expended 
all her fresh water. In this melancholy situation, in the 
midsts of a salt ocean, and in calm and hot latitudes, you 
may form some faint idea of their distress. Her master 
being a reading and reflecting man, had resort to his books 
as a partial relief from this state of suffering. He fortunate- 
ly took up a fragment of an old encyclopedia,where he found 
a process laid down, for distilling fresh waiter from salt ; he 
immediately set to work, using his dinner pot for a boiler, 
his tea-kettle for a condenser, and some sheet lead he fortu- 
nately had on board, for a worm, and with this homespun 
still, he succeeded in saving his crew from a premature death. 

Art, in the commencement of society, must of necessity 
have preceeded Science. Our first parents in the garden, 
who by the way, are the first operatives, of which we have 
any account, could not, in the nature of things, have had 
any knowledge of science. They made their clothing of 
the rudest material, and not much in the modem style, we 
suspect, by mere dint of art, compelled by necessity. Sci- 
ence now takes the lead, that is, the improvements and dis- 
coveries which are now made in the arts, are oftener, by 
the investigation of principle, than from bare experiment or 
accidental circumstance. Notwithstanding, many valuable 
discoveries have been made, entirely by accident ; for in- 
stance, Sir I. Newton, from the mere circumstance of see- 
ing an apple fall from a tree, discovered the grand principle 
of gravitation, by which the whole planetary system^ is gov- 
erned — And w^e are struck with surprise and astonishment, 
at its simplicity and grandeur. But should we indulge a 


16 


few moments in a more minute examination of this great dis- 
covery, and learn, that by this simple law of nature, the ebb 
and flow of the tides, the motions of the earth, the moon and 
stars, likewise the return of day and night, summer and win- 
ter, are all regulated, we are ready to exclaim in wonder and 
astonishment, these are thy works, Almighty Father, in wis- 
dom thou hast made them all. 

History informs us, that the power of steam was discover- 
ed by a circumstance not more unfrequent than the one 
just alluded too ; the lifting of a valve or cover from a ves- 
sel, containing boiling water. 

This power like many others, has been known for a great 
length of time, still it has never been converted to any im- 
portant, or useful purpose, until within a few years. 

Steam is as old as time, and has been generated in a thou- 
sand different ways, and escaped into the surrounding at- 
mosphere unobserved Almost from time immemorial, have 
our grandmothers, and maiden aunts, been in the daily hab- 
it of generating this all powerful agent. Their plan is a 
very easy and pleasant one. ’Tis done by infusing a few 
spoons full of a particular herb, which is brought from Chi- 
na, into a small quantity of fresh water, and set on the coals 
to simmer. This operation, was not so much with a view 
to obtain steam, as it was to obtain the exhilarating bever- 
age produced by this simple process ; in this way, they 
have proceeded to this time, excepting a partial suspension, 
which occurred about the year ’74 when a band of hard 
hearted souls went on board the ships in Boston, and threw 
this precious plant all overboard, in consequence of which, 
their operations were for a time suspended, excepting occa- 
sionally by stealth, so fearful were they that tht^ art would 
be lost ; since that time, the good old souls have been allow'- 
ed to prosecute their business of steam generation, unmo- 
lested. Notwithstanding all this familiarity with this all 
powerful agent, it was left to our own illustrous Fulton to 
apply its matchless powers to the profits and benefits of 
man. Its present application is almost indefinable. It 
spins and weaves for us — it pumps and rows for us — It digs 
and hoes for us — and with inconceivable power, and alac»> 
rity, it conv^eys our persons, and heavy burdens, to any 
given distance, in much less time than any animal power 


17 




can do it and still is not fatigued ; and to what purposes it 
may not in future be successfully applied, God only knows. 

With respect to these great discoveries in nature, which 
seem to have been brought forward by mere accident, we 
would enquire, how many rational creatures have seen ap- 
ples fall from trees, and covers raised from the boiling of wa- 
ter in a pot, and still, never dreamed of the great principles 
therein contained, until Newton, and Fulton explored them. 
From such circumstances, we are enabled to discover the 
advantages of Science. 

These circumstances, are not introduced with a view of 
disclosing any thing new. I dare say the most of you have 
read them often in the books ; but with a view of making 
plain the fact, that the studious and well informed man 
whether self taught, or school taught, is vastly more in the 
way of making discoveries, than the ignorant and careless 
man ; particularly if he be a practical mechanic ; his knowl- 
edge of mechanical took and their particular use, is of es- 
pecial advantage in making his own instruments, altering 
and repairing his works necessary for his designs, whatever 
they may be ; this is a truth too plain to admit of dispute — in 
fact his capacity in every respect is increased. 

Again, it must be obvious to every one, that in proportion 
as a mechanic possesses the principles of Science, will be 
his facilities in business of any description. We know of no 
one thing, that may not be done quite as well by a well in- 
formed man, as by an ignorant one, and we think the chance 
of improvement much better. Suppose the business, in which 
you are at present engaged, should run dozon as we term it, 
your success in some other would much depend on the gen- 
eral information you might possess in selecting and executing — 
your chances for employment and better pay, depend much 
on your intelligence and capacity : so that in any way wo 
view this matter, there is a positive gain in understanding 
the principles of the Arts, and whenever this very desirable 
state of things shall arrive, we may safely conclude that the 
improvements and inventions of mechanics, wdll be more 
numerous, profitable and useful, than those of any other 
class, and better adapted to the every day wants and com- 
forts of life. 

We are aware, that many objections may be made, and 
3 


18 


excuses found, for not paying more attention to the improve- 
ment of the mind, such as poverty, a large family, &c. which 
require all our time. These are circumstances which require 
much attention, we admit ; but by a proper distribution 
of time, these difficulties may be obviated in some measure, 
and many opportunities for reading and study found, which 
are in many instances spent to little advantage to ourselves, 
or families. We have it from very good authority, that the 
Bible may be read through in about 70 hours. This being 
the fact, a great many useful and profitable books may 
be read in the course of a year, and should the members of 
this Association adopt a rule individually, to read a certain 
number of hours each day, or week, for one year, in some 
work that shall tend to improve and enlarge the mind, there 
is no doubt but they would be satisfied with the benefits ac- 
cruing to themselves ; neither is there doubt, that the sal- 
utary influences resulting from such a course, would be felt 
in the community at large. The ease with which books, 
of every discription, may be obtained in this section of the 
country, puts to silence all objections on that subject. 

Our daily, semi weekly, weekly, monthly and quarterly 
publications, are of themselves a host. Then our libraries, 
both public and private, are in such abundance as to render it 
in the power of every one to obtain books of any description. 

While speaking of the benefits of improvement in the me- 
chanics of this country, particularly members of mechanic 
Associations, and Apprentices ; it may be well to con- 
trast our situation, with that of some of the European king- 
doms. It is beyond all question that the mechanics of this 
country, are on a much better footing than in any part of 
Europe. Here we are at full liberty to choose, and follow 
any business we please, and locate ourselves where we 
please. For instance, one of our Apprentices after having 
fulfilled his engagement with his master, and being armed 
with a certificate from under the seal of the Association, 
may go where he pleases, into any section of the country, 
without special licence from any arbitrary power, being 
free from all restraint either of traditionary customs, or oth- 
er power, he marches forward fearlessly, knowing that on 
merit alone he stands. His certificate, introducing him as 
a good moral character, of sober industrious habits, its ope- 
ration is as a letter of credit to a stranger. 


19 


Not so with our brethren across the water — tney are op- 
pressed by despotic restraints — the spirit of personal enter- 
prise is unbent in consequence of these restraints ; they, 
therefore, cease to feel that responsibility for themselves, 
which otherwise would be felt, did the government, under 
which they live, forbear, and leave them at liberty, to act 
without its arbitrary interference. This European policy 
in many instances, amounts to all but absolute slavery. 

In Paris, the Mechanic is not allowed to setup for him- 
self without a licence from the Government, and that is not 
the worst of it; the number of licensed Mechanics is small, 
and established by law; the journeymen consequently are 
compelled to remain as they are, hezoers of zoood and drazo- 
ers ©f zoater. Under such a state of things, it must be obvi- 
ous to every one, that much poverty and depression neces- 
sarily exist ; one moment’s reflection, brethren, will con- 
vince you of the absurdity of such a regulation ; deprive the 
young men of this country the liberty of entering into busi- 
ness for themselves, when they please, what think you the 
consequence would be ? why we should all be for “po/ing the 
house'^^ at once^ and setting matters to rights, and can it be 
very surprising that the French Mechanics, after having pas- 
sed through one Revolution for the public, should occasion- 
ally revolutionize for themselves ? it can be but of little 
moment to the man deprived by law to work for himself, 
zvho is president, Jackson or Adams. 

In England, the situation of the Mechanic is not less en- 
viable — it is with much difficulty he establishes himself in 
business, or gets a settlement as they term it, other than 
where he was born or served his apprentieship. The opera- 
tion of the pauper law is such, as makes it obligatory on 
each parish to maintain its native poor ; the migration of 
Mechanics from place to place is under such restrictions, as 
not many of them are able to comply with — forty days resi- 
dence gives a journeyman a settlement, and entitles him to 
support from the poor rates of the parish, where he may 
be, if he should need it ; to avoid this, the magistrate and 
tythe gatherer are immediately on the alert, to expel ev- 
ery stranger from their limits, who is not able to give secur- 
ity that he will not become a burthen to ihc Parish; the 
young Mechanic, not having it in his power to give such un- 


20 


reasonable bonds, is compelled to retrace his steps to the 
place of his nativity, and there linger out an existence, im- 
posed upon him by the laws of his country, directly calcula- 
ted to make him useless and miserable. Any young man, 
thus trammelled,on his first entrance into active life, and com- 
pelled to immure himself on the spot where he was born ; 
will either become exasperated, and out of humour with 
himself and every one else, and of course unfit for social life; 
or, on reflection, finding himself unprotected, and restrained 
from exertion by the very laws which should sustain and 
encourage him, become careless and dissipated, and add one 
more to the vast multitude of their starving poor. 

In Germany, the case is no better, if so good. In that 
country, they have corporations or crafts as they are called, 
formed by the individuals of each particular trade, and re- 
cognized by the laws of their country, with a fund to de- 
fray the corporate expences, and in every considerable 
town, a house of entertainment is selected, or harbour of 
each craft, &c. No one is allowed to establish his business, 
or set up as a master workman, unless he is admitted a free- 
man or member of the craft, and such is the condition, that 
no one is admitted as a master workman in any trade, except 
to supply the place of some one retired or deceased ; when 
such vacancy occurs, all those, desirous of occupying the 
birth, present a piece of their best work as a recommen- 
dation to obtain the place. Thus you perceive, that every 
man is obliged to submit himself to all the chances of a pop- 
ular election ; and for what, we ask ? why to ascertain 
whether or not he may have the privilege, of earning his 
bread by the szoeat of his brozo ; — to ask of his countrymen, 
and friends, and the government the privilege of labouring 
with his own hands for the maintainance of his zoife and chil- 
dren ! Most humiliating indeed, this. Brethren. 

But worse than all this, is the restraint imposed on the 
journeymen of that country by those little self-created des- 
potic crafts. As soon as the years of Apprentiship have ex- 
pired, the young inexperienced Mechanic is compelled to 
rounder, as it is termed, for three years. This wanderer is 
furnished with a duly authenticated wandering book, with 
which he is obliged, willing or not, to go forth, and seek em- 
ployment. In whatever place he arrives he presents himself 


21 


with his credentials, at the house, or harbour of his craft, — 
here he is allowed one day’s food, and a night’s lodging gra- 
tis ; if he wishes employment, he is assisted in obtaining it ; 
if not, or gets disappointed in finding employ, he is compel- 
led to start off forthwith, and pursue this miserable, wander^ 
ing life for three years, before he can any where be admitted 
as a master ; and after all this wandering and waiting for 
dead men’s shoes, if he be so fortunate as to preserve his 
morals in any good degree, he is subjected to all the partial- 
ity and jealousy, of an election by his fellow-craftsmen, 
who of course, are all anxious to obtain the birth for them- 
selves. 

These few instances, shew us plainly the immeasurable 
difference between the local situation of European and 
American Mechanics. Every book of travels in Europe, 
discloses to us the misery and ignorance of their working 
population. Why is all this ? is it not the restrictions im- 
posed on them by their government, and the' policy pursu- 
ed respecting general education, which has produced and 
continues this state of things ? Is it not a fact, that at this 
time the question is in discussion in England, how far, it 
may be prudent, and safe, to enlighten the people ? The 
question whether they should, or should not have education, 
appears to be given up ; not so respecting the quantum ne- 
cessary to make them good citizens ; but that a certain pro- 
portion is absolutely necessary, is at last admitted, and we 
don’t think it at all hazardous in saying, that until they dis- 
cover the necessity of a more general system of education, 
they may remain 6afe in all the enjoyments naturally arising 
from an ignorant and vicious population, such as civil com- 
motion, revolution, &c. 

How different the operation of our inestimable constitu- 
tion ! Here, every individual is left free to act, and select 
his own occupation, and pursue it, unrestrained by govern- 
ment acts ; the government rather encourage and sustain us 
by placing it in the power of every one to arrive to high hon- 
ours solely by his own merit. We may with much gratitude 
say that our lines have fallen in pleasant places. 

Brethren, v/hat, 1 ask, would be thought of that man who 
should come forward coolly, and seriously, and attempt to 
maintain that a general system of education was dangerous 


22 


to the public in this country ? He would be considered beside 
himself, and a fit subject for the insane hospital, rather than 
a friend and benefactor of mankind. The doctrine of edu- 
cating the few to the exclusion of the many, if it ever did ob- 
tain, in the opinion of any, seriously, w^e are led from pres- 
ent appearances to believe, has become entirely obsolete, and 
we think at this time, it will not be questioned that the plan 
of education pursued in this part of our country, is the great 
cause of difference between the Mechanics in Europe and 
America. Sure it is, that the Mechanics of America, will 
bear a comparison in point of morality and general intelli- 
gence, with any class within our knowledge, and probably, 
in the world ; and the only way to maintain this station, 
and progress with all, is to increase, and perpetuate the 
means of improving the mind and placing them within the 
reach of every rational creature in^ society. Mr. Everett, 
in his address before the Mechanics of Boston, says, “an 
intelligent class can scarce ever be, as a class vicious, never 
as a class indolent and w^e say, in a free state, they nev- 
er can, or will be oppressed, so long as they continue to im- 
prove, and act, in unison with each other ; the balance is in 
their hands, aud they can turn it either way they choose, 
and when they choose, and right and fitting it should be in 
the hands of as virtuous, patriotic and benevolent a class as 
the commonwealth can boast of. 

The situation of Mechanics in Society, is of vastly more 
importance than is generally admitted ; their peculiar loca- 
tion between the two extremes of poverty and riches, is as 
the Prophet Agur strongly intimates, an enviable one, but 
it also is a very important and accountable one. Many ardu- 
ous duties naturally devolve on them, from which the other 
classes are as naturally free. Thus situated in the centre of 
Society, like the sun in his meridian, reflecting his invigora- 
ting rays on all around and about him, distributing his ben- 
efits and influence, amongst the sons of men, under every 
possible circumstance imaginable. But for him, what could 
the Philosopher, the Astronomer, the Farmer, the Merchant, 
or Manufacturer do ? But for the Mechanic, their operations 
must forever cease, all further investigations into nature’s in- 
finite mine, remain unseen and unknown ; these operations 
cannot be continued, without instruments and tools of every 


23 


sort and description, from the mighty steam engine to the hoe 
and pick-axe, from the lofty and majestic ship to the mend- 
ing of a tin pot, — ^all — all are necessary, and indispensable ; 
without these, in their infinite variety, all further improve- 
ment in the arts must come to a dead stand, and to produce 
this great variety of tools and instruments of every descrip- 
tion, an amazing amount of labour is required, and fortunate- 
ly for us, we consider it no dishonor to do it. The day has 
passed, if it ever existed, when in the opinion of common 
sense it was dishonorable to labour. When did you ever 
hear of a man’s being eulogized for laziness and stupidity^ for 
adroitness in laying in bed, or neglect of person or proper- 
ty ? Never, but on the contrary, you often hear praise be- 
stowed on those, w^ho endure the greatest privations — per- 
form the most labour — indulge least in sleep and indolence. 
This was the doctrine ot our beloved immortal Franklin. He 
thought it praise worthy to take his wheelbarrow, and go 
for his paper, and wheel it to his office and as he said, when 
neither poverty or necessity compelled him ; the example 
he thought was good — so we think. 

Again, look at the Mechanics in another point of view. The 
duty of educating a numerous offspring, beside his apprenti- 
ces, is of vital importance to himself as well as to Society in 
general. This is a duty. Brethren, which should lay near 
our hearts. The moral health of the community depends 
in a great measure on its punctual performance. No class of 
men can do more towards formings and sustaining a national 
character than the Mechanics ; their offspring is usually nu- 
merous ; therefore their influence is great, and salutary, if 
properly directed. Celibacy obtains not amongst them. 
It is too cold and frigid for their warm hearts and brave bo- 
soms, loo unsocial and reserved for their generous feelings; a 
Bachelor among the Mechanics of our day, is as rare and 
unseasonable an article as a cucumber in January, or a snow 
bird in July. As it respects the moral instruction of our 
Apprentices, we are bound by parental obligations ; these 
should be carefully discharged. They in future must fill our 
places, and do the like offices to others ; therefore, they 
should be taught in addition to the art or trade, the princi- 
ples of virtue and industry, punctuality, honesty, sobriety, 
generosity, and last though not least, to respect themselves^ and 


24 


thereby secure the respect of others. The habit of imita- 
tion in the young, is a matter of great consideration, and 
requires the watchful eye of the master; and should in- 
duce much caution and control over himself. 

Brethren, if it be an object worthy of attention, to ad- 
vance the standing and influence of that indispensable class 
of men, the Mechanics of Portsmouth, it is time something 
were done ; it is time we were about it — not that it is so very 
arduous a task, but, that it is a slow one, and requires dili- 
gence, perseverance, and attention in the execution. Of those 
brethren, who are advanced in years, much cannot be ex- 
pected other than counsel and advice. It is to the middle 
aged, and young men that we look, for execution in this bu- 
siness ; these are the proper subjects of improvement and 
gradual progression — every pains should be taken, and every 
means employed, to improve and cultviate their minds ; it 
is an honorable and happy employment, and well rewards 
the labourer. The mind of man, is the great and only source 
of permanent happiness and freedom. It is the mind that 
anticipates, enjoys, sympathizes, projects and decides, and 
makes us independent freemen. Who or what can control 
a well disciplined honest, inflexible mind ? A threefold cord 
cant bind it, nor prison walls confine it ; neither can the cun- 
ning of the lawyer, or the subtlety of the priest, swerve it 
from its honest purpose. It is to the improvement of the 
minds of our young men, and apprentices, that we look with 
anxious solicitude for the permanent advancement of the 
Mechanics of Portsmouth. 

Under the present state of things, we conceive it absolute- 
ly necessary something should be done ; look around, and 
in almost every place, you will discover something on foot 
for general improvement, and shall we be last ? shall it be 
left to us alone to bring up the tardy rear? — we hope not. 
Brethren, could we be made to believe that our Heavenly 
Father had here been less liberal in the distribution of talent 
and capacity to improve, than in other places, we would de- 
sist and press this subject no farther; but, this we have no rea- 
son to believe. The difference of capacity in man, is not so 
great as many think it ; therefore we say if we continue to 
neglect our duty and move on in our old fashioned monoton- 
ous way, it is morally certain that our young men, must come 


25 


forward under great disadvantages to themselves and Socie- 
ty; at least, 20 or 80 years behind those, who have^ kept 
pace with the improvements of the times, and taken advan- 
tage of the opportunities, so liberally held out for informa 
tion. The mortification of being thus situated must be very 
apparent. 

Again we think there is some danger of losing the author- 
ity delegated to man for ages past ; simply by neglecting his 
opportunity for improvement. 

Since my remembrance, it was considered by many quite 
unnecessary, if not unbecoming, for young Ladies to attend 
many studies, which are now held to be important, such as 
Geography, History, Natural Philosophy, &c. we do not 
regret this change — far from it — we rejoice at it, we repeat, 
brethren, we rejoice at this improvement, but we should be 
sorry indeed, should the education of the males, become of 
secondary consideration; if there is any preference in the 
case,we think the males are entitled to it. Their peculiar situ- 
ation in society, the multifarious duties naturally devolving 
on them, are reasons sufficient, to shew us the necessity of 
particular attention to their education ; now in case the ed- 
ucation of the young Ladies shpuld exceed, that of the 
Gentlemen, the government of their families would neces- 
sarily devolve on them, which would be rather a mortify- 
ing case, but a just one, and we think it better the govern^ 
ment remain where nature ordained it should. Dont forget 
brethren, that “knowledge is Power.” 

“Knowledge” as pourtrayed by the late Hon. De Wit 
Clinton, is extatick in enjoyment, unlimited in space, and in- 
finite in duration; it fears no danger, spares no pains, omits 
no exertion. It scales the mountains, looks into the volca- 
no, dives into the ocean, perforates the earth, wings its flight 
into the skies, encircles the globe, explores sea and land, 
contemplates the distant, examines the minute, comprehends 
the great, and asends to the sublime. No place too remote 
for its grasp, no heavens too exalted for its reach. Its seat is 
the bosom of God, its voice the harmony of the world, all 
things in Heaven and earth do it homage, the very least as 
feeling its care, the greatest as not exempt from its power, 
yet all-— all with uniform consent, admiring it as the parent 
of peace and happiness.” 


4 


26 


I weuld suggest to this Association, the propriety of so 
far altering the constitution, as to admit Honorary Members. 
We think the benefits resulting from such an alteration, 
would be great, both in point of influence and improvement, 
especially, if we introduce Gentlemen of science, talent and 
liberality ; it will add energy and give a fresh impulse to 
the acquisition of knowledge among us, and vastly extend 
the field of intellectual research, by being associated with 
those whose business it is, to explore, and minutely investi- 
gate, men and things — to discover the secrets of nature — 
unfold and expose the properties of mind and matter, and 
furnish evidence of the faculties we possess, for progression 
in Knowledge of all kinds. If a course of this sort should 
be adopted and a familiar intercourse be kept up with the 
literary men of the place, we think the interests of the Asso- 
ciation would be much advanced. 

The mode of electing Honorary Members in the Boston 
Association, is the same as in the case of ordinary members. 
They have no voice in any of the doings of the Society nor 
share in any of the elementary advantages; theirs have been 
generally elected, in consequence of some donation having 
been made to the funds, or contribution by their good offices 
in some other way to the promotion of the objects of the in- 
stitution, — their Honorary members at present, comprise a 
good portion of the first talent in the City, such as the Gov- 
ernor, and Lt.Governor, J. Quincy, H. G. Otis, C. Sprague, 
W. Sullivan, Wm. Sturges, E. Everett, &c. 

One word more, brethren (if your patience is not entirely 
exhausted.) To effect one of the most desirable objects of 
this institution, the permanent advancement of its members 
to respectability and usefulness, is the common interest of 
the whole; here a brilliant opportunity offers, to apply 
union of with effect, and if we should be so fortunate, 
as to hit upon the best possible mode, we shall most assur- 
edly accomplish our purpose. 

It will be conceded on all hands, that an increase of 
Knowledge will effect it, but how to obtain this increase, in 
the most economical manner, is the question. Suppose for in- 
stance, we suspend business for a season, and attend to the 
study of some science immediately connected with our avoca- 
tions? this wont do, for in the mean time, poverty, raw-ribbed 


poverty is staring us in the face, and our wives and little 
ones are suffering for the daily income of our labour ; and of 
all duties, the most imperious, is to provide for our own 
household. Well, what is to be done — suppose, we 
institute another course of Lectures, such as we had last 
season, and apply ourselves, individually, to study when 
we have leisure ; we think this will do — we think it the best 
and most economical plan; it consumes but little time, and 
but little money; and is, or may be made productive of 
much good, both to the lecturer and the audience. Of the 
reception with which it will be met by the public, there can- 
not be a doubt; the experiment of last winter was sufficient 
to test that point, and if the members of this Association 
will consent to tax themselves 25 cents each, a course of 
lectures may be continued for 6 months, 4 times a month 
which would be ample for a season. This plan is in favour 
with the most intelligent men of our country, and is thought 
to be well calculated for the general distribution of Science 
amongst the people ; and certainly, it is a rational, pleasant, 
and cheap way of spending an evening, to say the least of 
it. We cannot but view this effort as a harbinger of good 
to our town, and to the cause of general improvement. Who 
knows, but it may awaken, and fan into life and even 
brilliancy, some latent spark amongst us which would other- 
wise lay dormant. Knowledge, like Power, has been too long 
confined to the few, for the comfort and happiness of the 
many ; the time is coming, rapidly too, when the mass of 
our population may become as familiar with the sciences 
generally, as are some of our learned men, and we further 
believe that lectures on these subjects are well adapted to 
the wants of those, who in early life were deprived of suf- 
ficient education ; such being our case, in most instances, 
and accompanied with the laudable desire of knowing as 
much as our neighbours, we think it worth an exertion to 
resuscitate them if we can. Had the attention of the pub- 
lic been earlier called to the subject of general improve- 
ment, and means adopted that are now in successful opera- 
tion, we should not be dependent on Foreigners for correct 
descriptions of our country ; we seriously doubt whether the 
palm would have been awarded to an Italian for the best ac- 
count of our independence, or that a London Mechanic 


28 


would find encouragement in collecting materials for our 
History, 

The very liberal manner in which Gentlemen came for- 
ward last season, entitles them to the gratitude and thanks 
of this Association, which we now frankly tender, not 
doubting, that if again requested, the same frank and gen- 
erous spirit will be expressed and manifested. 

In some few instances, attempts were made, to turn this 
system of public lecturing, into a mysterious^ dark^ hidden^ po- 
litical^ or scc/anan plan, to entrap and ensnare the credulous 
and unwary. But on perceiving, that men of all political 
parties, and all sects of religion, came forward, and joined 
heart and hand in the cause, these restloss, suspicious souls, 
became nonsuited, and retired, bearing with them, all the 
honours incident to such illiberal and unjust insinuations. 
We are happy to state, for the credit of this Association, that, 
these jealousies did not originate with them^ it is to be hoped 
they are too ingenuous and high minded, to harbour such 
unmanly views. There is no better sign^ “ of a brave, and 
honest mind, than a hard hand,” and we are sure our breth- 
ren carry this signal always with them. 

Brethren, hare your bosoms, with the invaluable motto of 
our Association, and march boldly and fearlessly forward 
to the execution of your duties as citizens of a free, and 
happy country. Pursue, undauntedly, that course your 
judgment dictates, in every thing that tends to ameliorate 
the condition of man. Be just and fear not, and leave the 
result with Heaven. 


Er4tta. — O n page 8, bottom line, for permanent, read prominent 


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